Analysis
Delta College graduates earn roughly $36,800 in their first year—about $9,000 below Michigan's median for dental support programs and a striking $18,000 below the national median. Among Michigan's 13 dental support programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three out of four in-state alternatives deliver better outcomes. Nearby programs like Kalamazoo Valley ($52,947) and Lansing Community College ($49,832) produce graduates earning 40-50% more right out of the gate.
The debt burden of $17,800 is reasonable in absolute terms, creating a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio. Earnings do grow 7% by year four, reaching $39,209, but that still leaves graduates well behind their peers. The 12th percentile national ranking is particularly concerning—this program underperforms nearly 90% of similar programs across the country.
For parents, this raises a clear red flag: if your student is committed to dental support work in Michigan, several community colleges in the state offer the same credential with dramatically better earning potential. Unless location or specific program features make Delta the only viable option, exploring those alternatives could mean $10,000+ more in annual income from day one—a difference that compounds significantly over a career.
Where Delta College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all dental support services and allied professions associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Delta College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta College | $36,828 | $39,209 | +6% |
| Lansing Community College | $49,832 | $46,711 | -6% |
| Ferris State University | $49,748 | $46,067 | -7% |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | $52,947 | $45,751 | -14% |
| Oakland Community College | $46,032 | $42,626 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Delta CollegeUniversity Center | $4,640 | $36,828 | $39,209 | $17,800 | 0.48 |
 Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeKalamazoo | $4,046 | $52,947 | $45,751 | $9,817 | 0.19 |
 Lansing Community CollegeLansing | $4,010 | $49,832 | $46,711 | $14,136 | 0.28 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $49,748 | $46,067 | $26,470 | 0.53 |
 Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills | $3,020 | $46,032 | $42,626 | — | — |
 Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids | $4,059 | $45,543 | $38,743 | $17,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $55,016 | — | $19,309 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with dental support services and allied professions graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Delta College, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.